Be A Volunteer

We need you.

Get Involved

The Creative Living Centre has approximately 30 volunteers working at any one time. They provide a support that enables the Centre to operate. They will consist of therapists, teachers/trainers and people who help run the Centre.

The Creative Living Centre Charity provides people with a holistic approach to health and well being in a safe and supportive place where people can set their own goals and work at their own pace towards self-empowerment and recovery.

We support adults experiencing mental or emotional distress, many with a diagnosed mental health condition or other long term health need. We use a holistic person-centered approach involving a range of classes and activities including art, drama, walking group, yoga, tai chi, beginners guitar, self help and confidence building groups. We also have 1:1 support, counselling and therapies such as massage, reiki and reflexology. Our members really value the warm, welcoming atmosphere at the Centre and many describe it as like a second family!

Find a description of our volunteer roles below.

Receptionist Volunteer

Volunteers are needed to help look after our reception desk. Main tasks include:

1. Greeting and welcoming visitors/members to the Creative Living Centre.

2. Answering the phone, taking messages and answering enquiries.

3. Booking appointments for members with advocacy support workers.

4. Answering member/visitor queries where possible or directing them to the appropriate member of staff.

5. Informing staff that a member/visitor is waiting.

6. Taking written details of a client if a member of staff is unavailable and passing on the enquiry where appropriate.

7. Ensuring that the visitor can find leaflets/information they need easily.

8.Providing administrative support on occasion.

What are they looking for?

An interest in mental health

An interest in volunteering within a busy office environment

A polite and friendly nature

Good communication skills and a good telephone manner

The ability to volunteer as part of a team of people from different backgrounds

A commitment to equal opportunities, treating all individuals with respect

An understanding of, and commitment to, confidentiality

Basic computer skills

Reliability

Please note that you have to be 18 plus to participate in this opportunity.

Practical Considerations:

The Creative Living Centre is situated in Prestwich Village near the Metrolink.

Expenses reimbursed.

Mentor Befriender

We are working with people experiencing mental and emotional distress. We have an open space area where members can sit, play games or chat.

We are looking for volunteers that have an interest in:

Mental health and will engage with members in our open space area (chatting, playing games) and work with the volunteer development worker to support members who wish to volunteer with external agencies.

Main Tasks:

1.To be a listening ear where members can talk about issues confidentially

2.To support members in the open space area (chat, playing board games etc.)

3.To assist support coordinators in supporting members on a 1:1 basis (chat, form filling, helping with

queries etc.)

4.Answer members queries where possible or direct them to the appropriate member of staff.

5.To help new members settle in.

What are they looking for?

To have previous experience and training in working with people with mental health problems.

To have very good personal boundaries and self-awareness and to know when to access support.

Be able to listen.

A friendly attitude.

Good communication skills.

The ability to volunteer as part of a team of people from different backgrounds.

A commitment to equal opportunities, treating all individuals with respect.

An understanding of, and commitment to, confidentiality.

Reliability.

Please note that you have to be 18 plus to participate in this opportunity.

Kitchen Volunteer

To volunteer in the kitchen ideally you will have an interest in preparing and serving food, you will be involved in working in a small friendly team helping to provide meals for our members. We provide training and our volunteers can choose to work towards achieving a level 2 certificate in food hygiene. No previous professional catering experience is necessary.

Ideally volunteers will be able to give a minimum of one 4 hour session per week although there is flexibility around this.

Gardening Volunteer

We have a little garden around the Centre where we grow vegetables and plants. We are looking for a person who is interested in gardening and mental health and can help us with maintaining our garden and also supporting members that want to do some gardening work during the week.